The Maine Thing: Cape Arundel Golf Club in Kennebunkport Needs to Be Your Next Golf Trip

Maine has a rugged coast, delicious seafood, a quiet peaceful nature, and amazing golf. Cape Arundel Golf Club is a historic gem in picturesque Kennebunkport, Maine, a semi-private Walter Travis masterpiece from 1921 (roots back to 1896) along the tidal shores of the Kennebunk River. This short-but-sweet links-style layout (just under 5,900 yards, par 69) delivers quirky charm, clever strategy, audacious greens, rolling terrain, tidal creeks on 13 holes, bunkers everywhere, and stunning coastal beauty. Ranked #1 in Maine by Golf Digest, Golfweek, and GOLF Magazine (and in the Top 100 You Can Play nationally), it’s a shotmaker’s dream with pure New England vibes.

Quick Facts

  • Classic Walter Travis design: Redesigned in 1921, with ongoing restorations by Renaissance Golf Design/Bruce Hepner
  • Short & strategic: Par 69, 5,881 yards; emphasizes precision, creativity, and putting over power (small, undulating greens, water views, tidal influences)
  • Seasonal play: Open May-October/November; peak summer/fall for mild temps (60s-70s°F), ocean breezes, and golden-hour light
  • Public welcome: Private club that opens to public play (call 3 days ahead for tee times); greens fees premium ($200+ in peak)
  • Historic pedigree: Known as “the Bush family’s course” (Presidents Bush Sr. & Jr. members); fun, walkable (often under 4 hours), and highly acclaimed for memorable greens

It makes sense that the Bush family would love a course that is all about strategy. One needs a keen knowledge of strategy if they plan to start seemingly endless wars. Maybe you want to go have fun and play a very heady game of golf with your family and friends. Maybe you want to be the next George Bush. Either way Cape Arundel is perfect for you.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Quick, engaging rounds with high strategy and banter, post-golf craft beers or seafood in Kennebunkport’s Dock Square, easy multi-round potential by pairing with nearby courses
  • Families: Charming, walkable layout suits all levels; nearby beaches, shops, and inns for non-golfers; short length makes it approachable for juniors or relaxed play

Top Standout Courses

 

Cape Arundel Golf Club (Main 18-hole)

The star, Travis’ clever, quirky links-style beauty with tidal river holes, small yet wildly undulating greens (some of America’s most audacious), rolling fairways, strategic bunkers, and coastal drama. Short but tough; rewards shot-making and creativity, a “fun gun golf course” that’s eminently playable yet challenging. Bucket-list for Maine golf lovers.

Nearby standouts for multi-course trips (short drives)

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Nearby Kennebunkport inns/hotels: Cape Arundel Inn (packages with extras), Kennebunkport Inn, Hidden Pond, or White Barn Inn (luxury with spa/dining)
  • Vacation rentals/VRBO: Cottages/homes near the course for groups
  • No direct on-site stay-and-play (private club focus), but easy to book tee times + lodging packages via local inns or Maine Golf Trail resources; many hotels offer golf add-ons or proximity deals

All Key Cape Arundel Area Golf Courses at a Glance

  • Cape Arundel Golf Club (Walter Travis, Maine’s #1, coastal classic)
  • Webhannet Golf Club (semi-private nearby)
  • Dutch Elm Golf Club (public value play)
  • Merriland Farm Par 3 (short fun option)
  • Plus Southern Maine neighbors like Old Marsh or The Ledges for day trips

Pro Tips

  • Book public tee times 3 days in advance via the pro shop (207-967-3494), peak summer fills fast; consider walking for the full experience
  • Fly into Portland (PWM) -45 min drive, or Manchester (MHT) for scenic route
  • Pair golf with Kennebunkport classics: fresh lobster, Dock Square shopping, beaches, whale watching, or fall foliage drives
  • Embrace the short length, use it for strategy practice; forward tees available; caddies or local knowledge help navigate the tricky greens

Time to tee it up on Maine’s tidal shores, master those famous greens, and reset with classic coastal charm. Cape Arundel is calling your escape.